The Republican file photoDamaged pavement is shown along the Norwottuck Rail Trail in Amherst.

AMHERST - Town officials want a full state environmental assessment of the proposed Norwottuck Rail Trail expansion project, while the project consultant is seeking to avoid a more detailed state review to stay on schedule.

The Select Board earlier this week voted to seek the full state Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act review following recommendations from the town’s Conservation Commission and Conservation Department and the Norwottuck Rail Trail Advisory Committee, all of which want the full assessment.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation is planning to widen the rail trail from eight to 10 feet, repair and upgrade the riding surface, shoulders slopes and bridges. The surface, which includes a mix of glass, frequently punctures tires.

The proposed $5 to $6 million project is targeted to begin in 2011, according to the Environmental Notification Form submitted by the Northampton-based Stantec Consulting Services Inc. on behalf of the state recreation department.

Stantec believes that any concerns can be addressed during project permitting and is asking for a certificate from the environmental policy office “requiring no further MEPA review so that the project can stay on schedule in to order to secure funding necessary to complete construction.” The money is available in the spring of 2011 from federal and state transportation funds, according to the application.

The state acquired the approximately 11-mile former Central Massachusetts Railroad trail in 1985, and in 1993 it was developed into the recreational trail that runs from Northampton, through Hadley and Amherst and into Belchertown.

The state environmental policy office is accepting comments until 5 p.m. Friday.

According to a memo from the town’s Conservation Department, the state has not justified the need for trail widening and believes that the widening “results in significant environmental impacts that could be minimized through a more comprehensive evaluation of alternatives and thoughtful design.”

Also the department stated that that project will result in the removal of 95 trees along the path. The department also believes that the impacts to wetlands resources are significant.

Select Board chairwoman Stephanie J. O’Keeffe said the board will be sending a letter based on the recommendations from the town’s conservation and regional rail trail advisors. She said the board is concerned about the impacts on the Lawrence Swamp.

Those attending the board meeting supported the town’s position. She said she received one e-mail from a trail user asking the town to support the waiver request because of concerns that a full review will delay the project.